As opioid abuse and addiction impacts a growing number of individuals and families throughout the region, Neumann University will host a free program that examines the problem from a variety of perspectives.

The program will include an update on recently approved and pending state legislation, details on efforts at the county level to help families and individuals who are dealing with substance abuse, information from the medical community on treatment efforts, and the perspective of an individual who is currently in recovery.

The program is free and open to the public and will take place on Thursday, June 15 from 1-4 PM at Neumann University.

“This program is designed to make the topic of the opioid epidemic accessible to professionals, families, and the larger community,” said Danielle McNichol, General Counsel for Neumann University and director of the university’s Center for Leadership. “Participants will hear about efforts to address the problem from a number of unique perspectives, including legislators, law enforcement, medical experts, and a person who has battled addiction.

“We want people to leave with a better understanding of the challenges of combatting the epidemic, as well as an understanding of the human toll that it takes on individuals and families. It is a very complex issue, and there are no silver bullets to fixing the problem.”

Featured speakers will include:

• Senator Tom Killion
• Delaware County Councilman Dave White
• District Attorney Jack Whelan
• An addiction expert from Crozer-Keystone
• An individual struggling with addiction

Although there is no cost to attend the program, attendees are asked to complete a free registration online to ensure there is sufficient room.